Whenever you mention the Cayman Islands, it conjures up a picture of the perfect tropical island lifestyle – sunny days spent on powdery white beaches or in the turquoise ocean, and warm tropical nights spent relaxing with friends under starry skies.

Though the reality may be somewhat different for those who spend more time sitting at a desk than reclining in the shade of a palm tree, when the weekend rolls around, there’s no reason not to work on making that idealised picture a reality.

When it comes to spending time on the beach, your regular weekday watch might not quite cut it. Water, sand and sun can take its toll on a watch the same as it can on the body, and comfort is also a vital part of the equation. Finding something that can handle a tough game of beach volleyball and the subsequent dip in the ocean, all while still looking good is vital – no one likes the feeling of coming out of the ocean only to realise that they have just ruined yet another watch.

G-Shock watches are rugged while still keeping a very fashion-forward edge. The same goes for BabyG, their ladies specific brand. Yet don’t think for one second that this means you have to forsake the bling factor – BabyG has models that reflect your personal style, even including diamonds in the dial for those who have to shine on and off the volleyball court.

If you prefer spending your time out on the water, or under it, rather than on the beach, a dive watch is an essential part of the kit. When it comes to dive watches, one of the most iconic and sought after brands out there is Doxa. Even though the name may not ring a bell for everyone, the image may well – this is the company that came up with the original orange-faced dive watch, and it had pride of place on the wrist of the likes of none other than Jacques Yves Cousteau.

It also features prominently in pop culture, being the watch of choice for the crew in the popular Discovery Channel series Sea Hunters, as well as being the watch of Clive Cussler’s literary hero Dirk Pitt. In fact, Cussler himself has worn it on all his dive expeditions, so no wonder his character has developed a taste for it as well.

Whether you are on the water or on the beach, sunglasses form a vital part of the look, with polarised lenses that cut the glare coming off the water an absolute necessity. However, most polarised sunglasses only include polarisation on the front of the lens, which means that when the sun is behind you, the reflection off the inside of the lens can not only affect the clarity of your vision short term, but also affect eye health over the long term.

Wrap around glasses find a way past this problem through their shape, but for those who would rather have something with a more classic look, Maui Jim sunglasses are actually polarised on the front and back of the lens, cutting the glare and protecting your eyes regardless of where the sun is.

As a tough day on the beach draws to a close, winding down and spending time with friends enjoying the warm summer evening around the grill is a great way to continue the outdoor lifestyle. Gone are all the active pursuits of the day, replace with the laid-back vibe of drinks at sunset against the backdrop of palm trees. Striking the right balance between elegance and the laid-back lifestyle is something Cuervo Y Sobrinos watches do to perfection.

The brand originated in Cuba and was part of its heyday as the playground of the rich and famous. Yet after the revolution it disappeared, only to be rediscovered and resurrected in the late 1990s. Although now made in Switzerland, the brand retains the style and spirit of the original, down to the unique watch box it comes in. In fact, the watch box is actually a cigar humidor, and what could tie in better with the history and culture of Cuba?

Of course you can keep your watch in the box, but a couple of Cuban cigars from Churchill’s Cigars in The Island Plaza can certainly come in handy when you want to end the evening in style and bring to the close a picture perfect day in the Caribbean.  G Shock watches are available from Watch.me stores, with Maui Jim sunglasses available from De Sunglass Man.

Doxa and Cuervo Y Sobrinos watches are available from Island Time stores and The Mansion in Camana Bay. WH

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